The Nigerian Institute of Building has announced an intensive programme designed to enhance capacity development and mentorship for students, probationers, and early-career professionals in the building sector.

At the investiture ceremony of the newly sworn-in NIOB President, Bldr Daniel Kolade, in Abuja on Wednesday, he emphasised that the initiative is driven by the recognition that the future of the building profession lies in the hands of younger professionals.

Kolade highlighted that his administration will make significant investments in innovation and research, while also focusing on entrepreneurial development, updating professional regulations and ethics, and engaging in advocacy and policy influence within the institute.

“The future of our profession lies in the hands of our young builders. This administration will intensify capacity development and mentorship programmes, targeted at students, probationers, and early-career professionals.

“We will strengthen our collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education and training institutions on Recognition of Prior Learning skills acquisition, and competency certification.

“The youth are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are the builders of today as ‘tomorrow starts NOW.”

He further pledged to strengthen collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education and other training institutions to enhance the Recognition of Prior Learning skills acquisition and competency certification.

The institute also plans to expand its ongoing partnership with agencies. “Our ongoing partnership with agencies such as the Nigerian Correctional Service on skills development will also be expanded, creating real pathways for empowerment and national reintegration.”

The chairman of the occasion, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Gida Mustapha, called for policies that recognise, regulate, and reward professional competence and ethical standards in the building industry. He also urged stronger collaboration among builders, architects, and engineers, warning against professional encroachment.

“The problem in the building industry is that one person wants to do everything. An architect wants to be an engineer, a civil engineer wants to be an architect, and a surveyor wants to do it all. That is not right,” Mustapha stated.

Nigeria’s building and construction industry remains a critical driver of national development, contributing to employment creation, housing delivery, and infrastructure growth. However, challenges such as poor workmanship, inadequate supervision, and building collapses highlight the need for higher professional standards and enhanced capacity among practitioners.

As the body responsible for regulating builders and promoting best practices, NIB has intensified its focus on training, research, and ethical compliance. The renewed emphasis on mentoring young professionals and students aligns with the national agenda for skills development and addresses the growing competence gap in the construction industry.